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I’m going to oppose Nil Desperandum as I think this could be a bit soon after Cheltenham for him.  I like Heads Onthe Ground who should be pretty fresh on his first run since the end of Jan. and is a progressive sort.  He was beaten 1.5l by Emmet that day but meets that one on 7lbs better terms so should reverse placings at least.  At the forecast prices I’ll take a chance with him.
I have to disagree with the notion that Baracouda is a hold-up horse who has to be produced late.  When he destroyed Deeno’s in this race 2 years ago he led well before the home turn.  He is ridden like a hold-up horse because the Doumen’s have so much faith in his ability they want to give him as easy a race as possible without over exerting the horse.  I think that he is a horse who can be ridden anywhere on any ground.
With regard to putting young horses in training I was under the impression that the opposite was true: that it is more beneficial for a horse to be in training at 2 or 3 then running around a field. Apparently a study of tendon and bone injuries found that consistent exercise of horses at a younger age made them less prone to leg injuries later on. It’s the reason why these new 3-y-o bumpers are being run.
I am in favour of the cross country races as they are something different and provide a spectacle. They are a unique test of a horse’s jumping, agility and stamina. Often you will see a horse who is no star over conventional fences come into their own in this type of race e.g. Risk Of Thunder. I disagree that they are cruel. They are no more cruel than a 6f 2-y-o maiden.<br>
Didn’t see the programme (no bbc) but re Buffham’s departure the following was in today’s Sunday Times:<br>"Panorama fail to point out that Buffham’s departure from the security post last year followed allegations against him of sexual harassment."
Agree with Aidan on this one, can’t understand why people are saying the horse didn’t want to fight.  If that was the case he wouldn’t have gone past Best Of The Bests.  Grandera came so late and fast there was no time for HW to respond.  What was missing was the devastating burst of accelaration that we saw in the Guineas and the National stakes.  Could it be he doesn’t have it over 10f?
It’s reported that Baracouda will not run again this season.  That’s a pity as I would love to have seen him either taking on the speedier types in the Aintree hdl. or going to Punchestown for a rematch with BB with Limestone Lad in the field as well.  Guess we’ll have to wait until next season. ÂÂÂ
Paul Ryan didn’t quite live up to his word (typical bookmaker!).  He wore some sort of g-string with a pouch in the shape of a horse’s head.  I’d still prefer to lose my hard earned than do that though!
I saw Istabraq arriving at Cheltenham on RTE news.  They showed him being led out of the horsebox and taken away.  He was not wearing any sort of hood.  I might not be the best judge of a horse’s movement but he certainly was not "shaking like a leaf" and seemed to me to be moving normally.
It would be understandable if they didn’t want photographs taken as it was dark and the camera flashes could easily startle such a highly strung horse.
From today’s Irish Times:<br>Before that, however, there will a less cerebral event at the village green in Tallaght today.
At a Cheltenham preview night two weeks ago, the Paddy Power spokesman Paul Ryan dismissed Baracouda`s festival chances with the statement: "If Baracouda wins the Stayers` Hurdle, I will parade naked through the streets of Tallaght!"
Ryan has decided to live up to his pledge and the show is scheduled to begin at 11.00 this morning.
Baracouda has not been invited!
I think those who opposed Baracouda should be thankful that they only lost their money!<br>
I remember JP McManus saying that he doesn’t back ante-post.
I don’t think that he would bet against Istabraq anyway – it’s not as if he needs the money.  The horse means more to him than that.
Now that this thread has developed into one about statistics here is an interesting one for Escorial.
No flat-bred horse has finished in the first four in the last 6 gold cups. (couldn’t be bothered to go back any further though I’m sure it’s a similar story)
This doesn’t bode well for your e/w fancy Shooting Light.<br>He is by Shernazar out of a Caerleon mare who was a 6f/1m winner at two and three years.  SL himself ran once as a 2-y-o and 9 times as a 3-y-o (twice over hurdles).
Try manipulating that stat!    :biggrin:
prince regent
the horse was magic combination.  He is with Len Lungo now and was well beaten at haydock last saturday.  <br>According to racingpost database Spencer won twice on the horse over hurdles in Jan. and Feb. ’99.  Spencer was also on the horse when he landed a gamble at the ’98 Galway festival.
You’re probably right Escorial but I still don’t think he will win the CH.  Now that he’s missed the TGT will he have a prep race.  The only suitable race left is the Kingwell at Wincanton.
I wonder if Barney Curley would be prepared to back Istabraq – after all he’ll be able to get inside info. from Jamie Spencer!;)
Hasn’t Jamie Spencer already won over hurdles in England for Barney Curley – about 2 years ago I think.
Re Valiramix
Can a horse who was beaten over 17L into 16th place in a Triumph hurdle win the CH two years later?  I don’t think so.  Has any horse being unplaced in the Triumph and gone on to win the CH?
Regal Exit – would be a good bet on good ground in the county hurdle, which is what he’s probably being aimed at.  No chance in the CH.
